Just 45 minutes north of Atlanta, Georgia, Lake Lanier attracts thousands of visitors from across the United States each year. This popular vacation destination offers a plethora of activities on and around the Lake. Popular activities include boating, camping, fishing, golfing, and hiking, and there are also water parks, shopping plazas, and theaters throughout the area. Check out these top 10 places to look for a Lake Lanier vacation rental.

1. Buford

Buford, Georgia, is a great location to reserve a family vacation rental, and you’ll find everything from small cottages and cabins to lakeside properties in the area, making it the perfect place to relax. When you’re ready to have fun, engage in water activities on the lake, or head to LanierWorld at Lanier Islands, located in the heart of Buford. This exciting water park is home to the largest pool in Georgia and has 13 amazing water slides for your family to enjoy.

2. Cumming

Just minutes from Lake Lanier, Cumming, Georgia offers vacationers a convenient place to relax and unwind. In Cumming, you’ll find quaint waterfront bungalows, and there are also a multitude of vacation homes, cottages, and cabins for rent within 3 miles of Lake Lanier. Cumming 400 shopping center and Cumming Marketplace allow you to purchase everything you might need, from groceries to fishing accessories, without driving too far from your vacation rental.

3. Flowery Branch

Flowery Branch is a quaint, cozy town just east of Lake Lanier. There, you’ll find lodges and waterfront vacation rentals in many different price ranges. Boating is a very popular activity in Flowery Branch, so bring your boat along with you, or rent one from BoatBound or any other local outfitter. When you’re looking for a place to relax right near your vacation rental, head to Flowery Branch Park, which offers a beautiful scenery, picnic tables, and a small lake for fishing.

4. Oakwood

Oakwood is an ideal destination for area vacationers, as this small town is less than a 10 minute drive from Lake Lanier. Oakwood offers affordable hotel accommodations along with cozy vacation rental homes. Golfers love the town of Oakwood, as it is home to the Chicopee Woods Golf Course. You can also enjoy a game of miniature golf with the family at Oaks Miniature Golf.

5. Chestatee

Chestatee is a golf community right in the heart of Lake Lanier where you can find modern vacation homes with upscale amenities and Wi-Fi. Most homes have private boat slips and large pools. Since you’ll have easy access to the lake, bring your jet skis, wake boards, fishing supplies along. Chestatee is also home to an 18-hole championship golf course, making it a prime vacation spot for golf lovers.

6. Dawsonville

Lake Lanier waterfront vacation rentals are plentiful in Dawsonville, Georgia. This small town offers homes with private docks and small cottages right on the lake. There’s also many family friendly area destinations for vacationers to enjoy. Visit Amicalola State Park or Amicalola Fall to walk the nature trails and enjoy the stunning waterfall, or go to the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame to learn all about the history of racing.

7. Gainesville

Gainesville, Georgia, is a very popular vacation destination. Just minutes from Lake Lanier, this town, also called “Queen City of the Mountains” and “Hospitality Capital of the World,” provides everything a vacationing family would want. Lake Lanier’s Olympic facility is in Gainesville and gives you easy access to fun water activities, such as canoeing and kayaking. If you want to get out and enjoy the town and take in a bit of history, visit Elachee Nature Science Center, Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve, and Agricultural Center, or the Northeast Georgia History Center.

8. Flat Creek

Flat Creek is an ideal vacation spot for families who want to spend most of their time on the water. This quaint town offers multiple options for vacation rentals, including rental homes and cabins. Flat Creek Park offers parking for boats, trailers, and RVs, and it also provides easy access to the lake. There are also picnic areas with restrooms available in Flat Creek, making it the perfect spot for spending the entire day outdoors.

9. Holiday Hills

Holiday Hills is a secluded location near Lake Lanier where you can find single-family vacation homes for rent. The area provides easy access to everything Lake Lanier has to offer, including boating, fishing, and water sports. Holiday Hills is nestled away from the excitement of Lake Lanier and has a beautiful, natural setting, making it an ideal spot for those who enjoy peace and nature.

10. McEver

McEver sits right to the east of Gainesville, Georgia, and is a very short drive away from Lake Lanier. Private vacation rentals are available in the area, many of which have spectacular picturesque views. Head into Gainesville if you want to experience a few big-city amenities, or spend all of your time in McEver, where you can drive to Lake Lanier in minutes and take quick trips to one of the quaint parks in the area.